Alaska Airlines says it will replace nearly 2,000 pounds of fish that spoiled after being left on an aircraft for more than 24 hours. An executive at the Seattle-based carrier reportedly apologized on behalf of the airline for the mistake, which occurred last month.

The mishap originated from a ground stop mandated by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) on August 17th. However, there was a lack of freezing facilities, and by the time the fish were discovered in the cargo hold, it was too late.

“A replacement box”

Simple Flying reported the spoiled fish nightmare last week, involving Vic Scaravilli and his friends, who were traveling back to Oregon via Seattle after a fishing trip in Alaska. According to Alaska’s News Source, Scaravilli was contacted by Marilyn Romano, Alaska’s Regional Vice President, who admitted the airline’s “errors in handling the fish.”

Scaravilli mentioned that Romano confirmed that replacement fish would be sent.

“She said that each one of us in our party would receive a replacement box of halibut for our lost fish.”

Alaska Airlines Boeing 737 MAX 9 on ground

Photo: Joe Kunzler | Simple Flying

The friend group’s trip is an annual occurrence, as they collect enough fish to last for the year. They reportedly had 50-pound boxes of halibut and had transported them frozen on AS64 from Ketchikan International Airport (KTN) to Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA). However, severe weather near Seattle prompted the aircraft to divert to Paine Field (PAE) in Everett, Washington. Alaska subsequently mentioned an FAA ground stop caused the flight to divert.

Multiple passengers had fish

Scaravlilli and his friend Shawn Snoozy were not the only travelers with fish. According to Alaska’s News Source, at least 30 other passengers on the same flight were also shipping fish back home. All the fish combined totaled 2,000 pounds. Alaska did explain that “at least one guest was able to pick up their four boxes of frozen fish at PAE,” but also mentioned that the airport did not have any freezing facilities for the fish while the aircraft remained on the ground.

Nonetheless, the oneworld carrier did not inform Snoozy of the fish’s whereabouts until two days after their flight diverted to PAE, as the aircraft was still there. By that time, the friend group had taken a ride-share to SEA, where they hopped on a flight to take them home to Oregon.

Alaskan Halibut is not exactly cheap. Wegmans Food Markets, a high-end grocery store on the East Coast, sells its halibut at around $35 a pound, according to Alaska’s News Source. Phoenix-based supermarket chain AJ’s Fine Foods sells halibut fillets for around $45 per pound. Wild Alaska Salmon & Seafood Company offers two pounds of the fish for nearly $130.

Making things right

Scaravlilli and Snoozy are undoubtedly pleased that Alaska will be replacing their fish. The airline, however, would not share any further details on amending the error.

“We’re in the process of contacting impacted guests, apologizing and working with them to make it right,” a spokesperson told Alaska’s News Source. “We’re not going to share details about those conversations, but we’re committed to caring for the guests who we let down.”

Alaska is no stranger to the 49th State’s fishing industry. Given that Salmon has a special meaning and is part of a spiritual and cultural identity, the airline has flown special liveries commemorating the fish. “Salmon Thirty-Salmon” was the original paint scheme on a Boeing 737-400.

Alaska Airlines Salmon Thirty Salmon || Boeing 737-800 | N559AS

Photo: Catharine Pierce | Shutterstock

After its retirement, the livery was reincarnated on a 737-800 as “Salmon Thirty Salmon II.” Just last year, Alaska unveiled a paint scheme with an indigenous twist on the same aircraft. The livery is titled X̱áat Ḵwáani, which means “Salmon People” in the Alaskan Tlingit language.

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